DESTINATIONS

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka is a tropical island located southeast of India, with a population of just over 20 million people. The country was a British colony from 1796 to 1948 and was formerly known as Ceylon. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city and its commercial hub, with a population of approximately 560,000.

Sri Lanka is a democracy, with changes in government taking place through general elections. The country’s economy was once primarily based on agriculture and light industry. By the late 1960s, tea, coconut, and rubber accounted for 90 percent of export revenues. Today, these goods make up only 20 percent of the country’s income, having been largely replaced by the textile industry, service sector, tourism, and construction.

WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK 

Deeply nestled in northwestern Sri Lanka lies Wilpattu National Park. Known for its unique natural “villus” – shallow freshwater lakes – Wilpattu offers an almost magical contrast between lush forests, open grasslands, and tranquil waterholes where wildlife gathers in quiet drama.

Wilpattu, which means “land of lakes,” is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park. Despite this, it receives fewer tourists than the southern parks, allowing for a more untouched and authentic safari experience. Here, you might track the elusive leopard or watch a herd of elephants slowly move across the landscape.

The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species living among the treetops and wetlands.

GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK 

Gal Oya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched and least visited national parks – a true hidden gem. Located in the eastern part of the country, it is particularly renowned for its unique opportunity to observe wildlife by boat, making it completely different from other safaris in Sri Lanka. The park surrounds Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest man-made lake, and here you have the chance to photograph elephants swimming between the islands – a truly magical sight.

In addition to elephants, the park is home to leopards (although they are elusive), mongooses, crocodiles, sambar deer, and a wide variety of birdlife. What also makes Gal Oya special is that it is one of the few places where you can still meet the Vedda people, Sri Lanka’s indigenous population, and gain insight into their traditional way of life and deep connection with nature.

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Yala National Park was established in 1938 and, with an area of 942 square kilometers, is one of the largest parks on the island of Sri Lanka. The landscape is highly varied, featuring plains and rocky outcrops, inland areas and coastal stretches, waterholes, streams, and lagoons. The park is especially famous for its leopards and boasts the highest leopard concentration in the world, with more than 125 individuals. In addition to leopards, Yala is home to a large population of Sri Lankan elephants, wild boars, buffaloes, macaques, langurs, sloth bears, jackals, mongooses, porcupines, pangolins, crocodiles, as well as axis and sambar deer. Yala also offers outstanding birdwatching opportunities, with around 130 species recorded. Peacocks can be seen everywhere in the park, and you are also likely to spot the Sri Lankan junglefowl, which has been adopted as the country’s national bird.

MIRISSA

Mirissa is located near the southern tip of the island of Sri Lanka and offers a stunning sandy beach. It is considered one of the finest stretches along the entire coastline, with soft sands nestled beneath dense groves of coconut palms. The beach remains relatively undeveloped, with only a few rustic restaurants and guesthouses. Mirissa is also the main departure point for most of the whale-watching safaris organized in Sri Lanka. Each year, large numbers of blue whales and sperm whales gather along the coast. These giants of the ocean can grow to over 30 meters in length and weigh up to 200 tons.

ITINERARY

IF YOU ARRIVE THE DAY BEFORE

We recommend arriving at the destination one day earlier so you can relax a bit after the long flight. We’ve therefore put together the following program:

Arrival in Sri Lanka during the day. Check-in at the first-class Radisson Hotel in Colombo. The following morning, a guided city tour of Colombo will be arranged. During the tour, you’ll discover this captivating city where East meets West. Temples, mosques, and churches reflect the coexistence of diverse faiths.

Enjoy a blend of modernity and tradition, and immerse yourself in the city’s colors, scents, and sounds. Feel the multicultural heartbeat of Colombo, where Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam are intricately woven together. Along the way, there will be plenty of photo opportunities – from markets and temples to local food vendors and much more.

For the price of the additional overnight stay, please see the pricing page.

PROGRAM – 23/1-2/2  2026

Throughout the trip, Roger Brendhagen will be available to provide photography advice and tips, as well as assistance with photo editing and image critique. Roger will also give lectures and share insights into his approach to photography. Exact times for these sessions will be scheduled based on the timing of the photo activities and what’s happening in the parks. During all safaris, Roger will rotate between the jeeps, giving everyone the opportunity to receive personal guidance from him.

DAY 1 (Jan 23) – ARRIVAL IN SRI LANKA
Arrival in Sri Lanka during the day. We gather at Pegasus Reef Hotel, beautifully located right by the sea with an inviting beach. The hotel also features a large pool for daytime relaxation. Here you will be welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and a host from Zoom Photo Tours.

In the evening, a welcome dinner will be served in the hotel’s garden. Before the meal, Roger and our local guide will give a brief introduction to the trip and what you can expect. (Dinner included)

DAY 2 (Jan 24) – TOWARDS WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Early in the morning, we head towards Wilpattu National Park, where we check in at Hotel Lavendish Wild for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, we set out on the first safari of the trip.

Located on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park stretches across a vast wilderness of over 130,000 hectares – making it the country’s largest national park. Hidden within are more than 60 shimmering “villus” – natural shallow lakes – which attract a fascinating array of wildlife year-round.

As the sun sets, we return to the lodge and enjoy dinner before falling asleep, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 3 (Jan 25) – WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Today, we’ll head out for both morning and afternoon safaris in Wilpattu. The park is especially renowned for its impressive leopard population, but that’s just the beginning of what awaits us. In the dense, green forests – which distinguish Wilpattu from other parks with open savannahs – the endemic sloth bear moves in the shadows, elephants wander majestically through the underbrush, and hundreds of mugger crocodiles lurk along the water’s edge.

Above the treetops, painted storks soar, owls whisper from the branches, and eagles glide in circles in search of their next prey. Going on safari in Wilpattu feels like stepping into a jungle world full of adventure – raw, beautiful, and unpredictable. A place where the rhythm of nature can be felt with every breath.

During our safaris, Roger will rotate between the jeeps, offering tips and personalized guidance throughout the day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 4 (Jan 26) – THE SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS
Early morning departure to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. King Kashyapa (477–495 AD) created this magnificent complex as his new capital. He built his palace atop the 180-meter-high rock and adorned its sides with colorful frescoes. On the plateau about halfway up, he constructed a grand entrance in the shape of a giant lion, giving the fortress its name: Sinhagiri, or Lion Rock.

Today, in addition to a unique audience hall, meditation caves, fountain gardens, and rock gardens, what remains are the lion’s enormous paws, several frescoes protected in a sheltered niche, a pool larger than an Olympic one, and the reconstructed foundations of the palace at the summit.

Our main destination for the day is Gal Oya National Park. The journey takes us through scenic countryside and rural landscapes, with stops along the way to photograph lush rice fields. Near the park, we check in at the first-class Wild Glamping, where we’ll stay for two nights. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 5 (Jan 27) – SWIMMING ELEPHANTS
We begin the day with a walk through Sri Lanka’s lush rainforest, led by a member of the Adivasi people – one of the island’s indigenous communities with ancient knowledge of the land passed down through generations. Along narrow, hidden trails beneath the dense canopy, your guide will share secrets about medicinal plants, animal tracks, and how to live in harmony with the forest. This is more than just a walk – it’s a rare and respectful insight into a life shaped by the rhythms of nature, deep-rooted traditions, and a spiritual connection to the land.

Our next stop for the day is the majestic Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir, beautifully located on the edge of Gal Oya National Park. Here, a boat safari awaits, offering the chance to photograph one of the park’s most fascinating natural phenomena: elephants swimming between the small islands of the reservoir. While elephants on land are a common sight in Sri Lanka, witnessing these majestic animals in the water, with their trunks raised like snorkels, is a truly unique experience and an exciting photographic opportunity. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 6 (Jan 28) – TOWARDS YALA NATIONAL PARK 
After checking out, we head to the next stop on our photographic journey – Yala National Park. After checking in at the first-class Magampura Village Eco Resort and taking some time to relax and prepare, we set off on a jeep safari in Sri Lanka’s most famous national park – the legendary Yala National Park, where the leopard reigns as king. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included) 

DAYS 7–8 (Jan 29–30) – SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK
After an early morning cup of coffee or tea, we begin our first morning safari in Yala. As the sun rises above the horizon, the park comes to life – and we may spot a leopard stretching lazily in a tree. Yala has the highest density of leopards in Sri Lanka, with over 125 individuals.

But leopards aren’t the only highlight – the park is also home to a large number of Sri Lankan elephants, a subspecies of the Asian elephant. The Sri Lankan elephant is special as it is the largest of all Asian elephants, and fewer than one in ten males have tusks. In addition, you may encounter sloth bears, water buffalo, wild boar, various species of deer, jackals, mugger crocodiles, and many other animals.

We return to the hotel for breakfast and rest. This is also a great opportunity to upload your photos and review your captures from the first few days – or enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel’s pool. In the afternoon, we head back to the park to photograph wildlife in the warm evening light. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 9 (Jan 31) – MORNING SAFARI IN YALA AND TRANSFER TO MIRISSA
Today it’s time for our final morning safari in Yala National Park, with the opportunity to capture beautiful sunrise images of the wildlife and the park’s stunning surroundings.

After the safari, we return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out, and then continue towards the final experience of our journey – an encounter with the giants of the ocean. We travel to the town of Mirissa, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, where we check in at the Mandara Resort, beautifully situated right on the beach.

The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxing activities such as soaking up the sun, swimming, and reviewing our photos. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 10 (Feb 1) – WHALE SAFARI
At dawn, we head out on a whale-watching expedition aboard our privately chartered boat. As the sun rises above the horizon, we search for blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins. The best chance to spot these magnificent animals is during the early morning hours, and capturing a blue whale on camera – especially that iconic split tail as it dives into the depths in the morning light – is a truly unforgettable experience.

Back at the harbor, we continue on to Colombo. Upon arrival, it’s time to select your best images from the trip, which will be shown during the evening. After the presentations, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip”. The winning image will automatically advance to the finals of Zoom’s photo expedition competition, “Image of the Year 2026”, where the grand prize is a gift certificate worth SEK 5,000. We end the evening with a lovely farewell dinner together. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

DAY 11 (Feb 2) – DEPARTURE
Today it’s time to begin your journey home, independently. (Breakfast included)

PHOTOGRAPHER

ROGER BRENDHAGEN – Wildlife and nature photographer

After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen has spent the past 20 years working full-time as a photographer. With over 300 travel days per year, Roger considers the entire world his workplace, having photographed everywhere from Mongolia to India and Africa. For the past 16 years, he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is frequently invited as a speaker and lecturer. Roger also serves as the chairman of Norske Naturfotografer/NN (Norwegian Nature Photographers). He is highly regarded for his workshops and photo tours, having led photography trips across the globe, including destinations like Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. During his workshops in Dovrefjell, Norway, Roger has welcomed over 700 participants throughout the years.

www.brendhagen.com

HOTEL

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE

Price per person: USD 4 300

The price includes:

• All jeep and bus transfers as per the program

• Accommodation in shared double room at hotels according to the itinerary

• Meals as per the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

• Safaris as described in the program

• Local rangers for all safaris

• National park entry fees

• One whale-watching cruise

• Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the tour

• Workshops with Roger Brendhagen

• Lectures, photo editing sessions, and image critique during the tour

• Accompaniment by a Zoom Photo Tours host

• Presence of a local guide throughout the journey

• Hotel and other local taxes and fees

• Travel documents and practical travel information

The price does not include:

• Flights to and from Colombo

• Single room supplement: USD 1 090

• Tips: USD 10/day for the naturalist guide accompanying the trip

• Any personal expenses such as beverages with meals, phone calls, etc.

• Travel insurance and cancellation protection – see “Good to Know”

PRICE FOR ADDITIONAL NIGHT

Per person in double room: USD 220

Single room supplement: USD 110

The price includes:

• One night at Radisson Hotel**

• Breakfast at the hotel

• City tour of Colombo with a local guide

• Hotel and other local taxes and fees

TRANSPORT

Flights to Colombo are arranged independently. As many travelers prefer to book their own transportation, flights are not included in the package price. You should not arrive in Colombo later than approximately 3:00 PM on January 23rd. The return flight can be booked at any time on February 2nd.

We recommend arriving one day earlier to allow time to relax after the long flight. We have therefore put together a pre-tour program, as described above. This optional extension can be booked in connection with your flight reservation. If you would like assistance with booking your flight to Colombo, we are happy to help. More information will be provided closer to departure.

FACTS 

Target group: Photographers interested in developing their skills in wildlife and nature photography.

Min/Max number of participants: 8 / 12

Languages: Swedish, Norwegian, English

Other: For more information on terms and conditions, please see the “Other” section on our website.

EQUIPMENT

• Your DSLR or mirrorless camera

• A wide-angle lens, e.g. 24–70 mm

• A mid-range telephoto lens, e.g. 70–200 mm

• A long telephoto lens, up to 500 mm

• A monopod

• A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom for editing

• Battery chargers, spare batteries, memory cards

• Cleaning kit

BOOKING

You can book this tour by clicking the button below, calling us at +46 470-466 40 or emailing us at info@zoomphototours.com